“What makes our Ace Hardware stores special is the personal service customers receive, starting with a welcome when they walk through the door,” said Atchison. “If customers have questions about a project they’re working on our employees will have answers, and if we don’t have what they’re looking for we’ll get it for them quickly.”

Customer Ron Allen, who owns a construction company, said he appreciates the fact that there’s always an employee available with a friendly smile to help him locate items.

“It also saves time and fuel costs when I can visit the local Ace Hardware and not have to drive to a big-box store,” he said.

Atchison said he is also committed to extending that helpfulness beyond the walls of the stores and into the communities he serves, supporting little leagues and local school organizations, FFA and 4-H.